Coast Guard man nabbed for firing gun

MANILA, Philippines — A member of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is facing charges after being arrested in Manila on Tuesday for illegally discharging a firearm and violating gun laws.

Apprentice Seaman Christopher Busilan was taken into custody around 2:20 a.m. in the Sampaloc district, based on a report from the Manila Police District.

The police said they went to the area to investigate after receiving reports of gunfire around 1 a.m. They found a group of men which included Busilan drinking alcohol outside a house on R. Papa Street.

A neighbor insisted that the gunshot came from the house where the group was gathered.

The 27-year-old Coast Guard member initially denied firing any weapon but later admitted to discharging a gun. Found in his possession were a revolver with two bullets and a spent cartridge.

In a statement sent to the Inquirer, the PCG said it “does not condone such illegal activities” by its personnel.

Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan immediately directed the Coast Guard Inspector General and Internal Affairs Service to conduct a parallel administrative investigation of the incident.

The PCG added in its statement that if proven guilty, Coast Guard spokesperson Rear Adm. Armando Balilo said that Busilan would be “dishonorably discharged from the Coast Guard service.” —Russel Loreto